Single-person households (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study has shed light on the growing social isolation faced by individuals living alone in Seoul, South Korea’s bustling capital.
More than half of Seoul’s single-person households report having no one to turn to for help with daily tasks or during emergencies, raising concerns about the need for targeted support systems.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Women and Family Policy Review released a report on August 11 titled “Current Status and Implications of Social Relationships for Seoul’s Single-Person Households.”
The study, which surveyed 1,835 Seoul residents aged 19-69 living alone, paints a sobering picture of social disconnection in one of Asia’s most populous cities.
According to the report, 56.6% of respondents said they had no one to contact when needing assistance with household chores or caregiving. Similarly, 53.2% reported having no one to call for help with housework when sick.
The isolation extends to emotional support as well, with 34.1% lacking someone to talk to when feeling discouraged or depressed. In cases of accidents or emergencies, 38.9% had no one to reach out to.
The study revealed significant disparities across age and gender lines. Middle-aged and older men (40-69 years old) consistently reported the lowest levels of social support across all categories.
While younger individuals (19-39 years old) often relied on parental support, this option was less available to those in the 40-69 age bracket.
When faced with difficulties of living alone, 21.1% of young women and 23.2% of young men turned to their parents for help. In contrast, only 10.9% of middle-aged women and 7.1% of middle-aged men did the same.
Middle-aged respondents were more likely to attempt solving problems independently through internet searches or take no action at all.
For instance, 22.6% of middle-aged women and 25.1% of middle-aged men reported using online resources to address their concerns, while 24.7% of women and 26.7% of men in this age group said they typically took no action when faced with difficulties.
Interpersonal relationship satisfaction was lowest among middle-aged men, scoring 3 out of 5 points, compared to the overall average of 3.23. Young men reported the highest satisfaction at 3.54, followed by young women at 3.49 and middle-aged women at 3.25.
Despite these challenges, 57.1% of all respondents expressed a desire to continue living alone. This preference was strongest among middle-aged women (66.7%) and weakest among young men (42.1%).
The report emphasizes that single-person households face unique burdens, as they must independently manage roles typically shared among family members.
It also highlights that middle-aged individuals living alone have been relatively overlooked in policy support, despite their likelihood of continuing to live independently.
“Proactive policy interventions are needed for middle-aged individuals living alone,” the report concludes, recommending multifaceted approaches to support social network formation and health management tailored to the lifestyle characteristics of this demographic.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
With rising urbanization and changing social dynamics, it is crucial to implement strategies that support mental health, promote community engagement, and provide resources for those affected by loneliness.